The Dark Game was a title that pulled my attention due to a lot of people talking about it on Twitter. I follow a lot of people who read, write and love horror novels on my Twitter account. So when there is a book that has quite a buzz on this social media medium I HAVE to read it.

AND I LOVED IT. Sometimes when a book has so much buzz I do proceed with some caution. Some books get a lot of attention because they are legitimately amazing and their popularity starts to grow as more people love and read the book. Some books get a lot of attention because they get a really good public relations campaign and get a positive endorsement by the right influencer. This is one of those books that sells itself on its entertaining and well written content.

Jonathan Janz exceeded my expectations. He has one of those writing styles where I felt the need to absorb the nuances of his words in a quiet setting. Also, as the plot is about writers who are on a writing retreat who are working with a well loved writer there is a lot of risk that dialogue could start to feel too didactic. However that never happens! As the participants are forced to explore the darker parts of their souls, this contributes to a lot of suspense with unexpected twists and turns in the novel.

This is the first book that I am reading by is by Jonathan Janz. One of the books that is being written in this retreat is called The Siren and the Specter…which is actually the title of one of Janz’s previous books. I found it comical that this was being written at a retreat knowing that this is a book that Janz had written. I felt like the placement of this title was handled in a way that did not require any background information. However, I did wonder if there was a layer of understanding that I may be missing as a newbie to Janz’s writing. This is the only reason why I am giving this 4/5 stars on Goodreads. However my intrigue for this previous book is now really high having really loved this story. I would definitely say that following the hype on this book was worth it for me. I am now eager to read more work by this author!

Thank you Netgalley and Flame Tree Press for this ARC!

This is the first book I've read by this author. I enjoyed it quite a lot, though I used the definition function on my Kindle several times. I liked the plot, the pace, most of the characters, and the way the story flowed. I would definitely read another book by Jonathan Janz.

Much appreciation to Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I’ve never read a book by Jonathan Janz before, but I’m always ready to discover new authors. Although I really had no idea the ride that was in store for me. The author grabbed me from the very first page, I felt hypnotised by his writing, I didn’t want to put the book down, and as I went far deep into the story, the hard it was to get out.

The characters are the central point of the story, and getting to know them all was addictive. I loved to read about the skeletons each of them had in their closets, the dark past and secrets they all wanted to hide, and these 10 authors had the worst ones!

So what happens when 10 authors and Rodrick Wells all live together under the same roof deprived of contact with outsiders? Blood, blood, and more blood. Every twist kept surprising me. I never knew what was going to happen next, who was going to die, or which of them would win (if any would). The story kept me on the edge of my sit, for the most part, creeping me out, frightening me, and even making me laugh. Between all the darkness and gory moments, there was time to laugh and even to get some justice.

However, I didn’t enjoy the book as much when all the supernatural elements took over the story. That is not my cup of tea, and it made me detached from the story. I would rather a tale of a maniac, of pure human evil with no influence from the paranormal world. That being said, I can appreciate how well thought all the supernatural parts were. Everything had a reason, nothing happened by chance, even if at first sight it doesn’t seem like it.

Even though supernatural horror isn’t for my taste, Jonathan Janz created an amazing story, spilling out secrets as well as guts, with a creepy atmosphere, full of murder, and finishing all off in a fast-paced tale of writers facing their demons.

Where vivid imagination breathes life into manuscripts, unleashing the stuff of nightmares!

Fans of Stephen King, Scott Thomas' Kill Creek, and Stephen Laws, Daemonic, will devour The Dark Game.

Ten authors are invited to the isolated home of best-selling, reclusive writer, Roderick Wells for a six week writing retreat. Absolute discretion is required, with those who choose to attend, contractually obligated not to mention the retreat to a soul. The prize: two million dollars and a publishing deal for one winner.

But from the moment they arrive the contestants are plagued by terrifying visions of past wrongdoings and supernatural beings who taunt them with their most private of sins. Moreover, their penned stories appear to be taking on a life of their own. Then one-by-one they are killed, murdered in terrifying and macabre ways.

Gothic horror meets black comedy – gory rather than scary, but a whole lot of fun nonetheless. Not for the faint-hearted though as there are a lot of grisly deaths, as well as sex scenes. But for regular readers of horror I highly recommend. I'm a big fan of a horror where a group of strangers are trapped together, forced to fight for their lives with seemingly no escape, and that the threat not only comes from whatever they are facing but also from those who turn on each other. Who's behind everything will come as no surprise, but the reason the writer's were selected, and the final showdown threw me for a loop. Loved the ending as well – talk about poetic justice!

None of the characters were particularly likeable, but all the same it's hard not to empathize over the way they were being violated, and hunted, in such perverse ways. There were characters I was rooting for more than others, but I didn't really warm to any of them. The benefits of a larger cast of characters, or in this case writers, is that some are merely there just to be killed off, so the action, and body count starts from the get go, and either this way, or a slow-build, work just as well for me in a horror plot.

This is my first horror novel by Jonathan Janz, but I do own The Siren and the Specter and with several references to it within this story, and having enjoyed this one, I'll definitely be reading it sooner rather than later.

I'd like to thank Netgalley, Flame Tree Press, and Jonathan Janz for the e-ARC.

Available Now!

**** Huge thank you to Flame Tree Press for providing me with a copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review! ****

**** Trigger Warnings: Abuse (Including Domestic), Sexual Assault, Abortion (Mentioned), Suicide, Pedophilia (Mentioned), Death, Violence, & Gore ****

It’s no secret Janz is one of my new favorite authors, it seems everything he writes is amazing and very entertaining and he’s a guaranteed 4-5 star read. “The Dark Game” was no exception but I have to say “The Siren and The Specter” is still the reigning champ in my heart!


I thought the set up for this new novel was incredibly enticing: a writer’s retreat doubling as a competition and they’re pitted against one another in a deadly game. I love settings where the characters are spirited away out in the middle of nowhere and participate in a lethal game or competition of some kind, but I suppose I’m kind of morbid like that! I thought the creepy mansion and forest did a great job of adding atmosphere as well.

The story follows the ten different writers as they arrive and compete and we get POV chapters and moments with all of them. Normally I would say this would be very overwhelming, ten POVs is a lot to keep track of after all! However, Janz did it in such a way that each character had their page time but you never felt confused or lost which I definitely appreciated. I also thought this gave the book a very fast pacing since there was always backstory or things happening with each character.

I also really enjoyed how we got to read bits of the stories the writers were creating, it was just some extra fun but also a way to explore each character’s back story. And holy crap was there back story! So much detail but I’ll get more into that in the ‘character section’. However, Janz can expertly weave through back stories like nobody’s business. Everyone had their past demons and secrets, it made for some serious page-turning because I was dying to know more!

The supernatural bits of the story were very interesting as well but due to spoilers I won’t be discussing it because it’s best if you know nothing. However, there were some parts at the end of the story I wish were a little more fleshed out such as the true origins of the villain. That’s just me being a little picky though because I’m so curious!

“The Dark Game” is also a standalone and everything is wrapped up nicely. I think if you’re new to Janz’s work this is another excellent place to start! (Although I will always push everyone towards “The Siren and The Specter”)


There are a wide range of characters in this book, we’re talking the initial ten writers that are participants in the competition, as well as Roderick Wells, the host, and his slew of servants etc. So quite a few! As I mentioned a bit earlier we get page time and POV moments with each of the writer characters but it was never confusing. We actually got so much back story and depth that each character felt as important to the story as the next, even when they were being picked off one by one at a rapid rate! I actually really enjoyed how complex each character was, not like in your typical horror film where they’re only there to get murdered, but you actually got to know them and even sympathize with some. Not to mention the variety of personalities with each character. Some you loved and some you loved to hate!


What I Loved:

Plenty of action and fast pacing
Interesting set up and setting (definitely an eerie atmosphere)
Unique supernatural elements
Tons of character development! Tons!
Multiple POVs never felt confusing or overwhelming
Fantastic writing!

What I Didn’t Love:

I would have liked a bit more world building as far as the villain and supernatural elements went


Overall this is another fantastic novel by Jonathan Janz and I really feel that if you are a fan of horror you should be reading his books. He knows how to develop a story and characters and manage to still scare the hell out of you! “The Dark Game” is a great place to jump on the bandwagon too!

I’d heard a lot of buzz about Janz—how he was this great new horror writer, the next Stephen King and all that. Stuff we who read a lot and follow this stuff hear all the time. Well, forget what you think you know and read this book. Funny, literate, scary, compelling and with real characters—I just zipped through it. I got the same vibe from this book that I got when I first read King. Get on the band wagon early. Highly Recommended!

This was the first book by Jonathan Janz I've read and wasn't disappointed. This is the story of ten aspiring authors chosen to be mentored by Roderick Wells, a famous author at an exclusive retreat and to compete with each other for a chance in winning $3 million . Although the pace was great, there were a lot of characters which kept getting confusing. I felt that a bit of character building was needed. but the atmosphere was done great. Right from the beginning Jonathan Janz teases us with his descriptions on how we are getting something sinister. I enjoyed it and will be picking up more from this author.
Thank you to the Author, Publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC.

Up until this point, I've only heard amazing things about Jonathan Janz but had never read anything by him. That changed though with The Dark Game. He's brilliant and I'd put him right up there with Stephen King. He layers horror in such a way that is attainable and supernatural.

The concept of the novel is almost like Survivor and The Haunting with a bit of Battle Royale tied in for good measure. It's not hugely original but still an interesting concept. Each writer is put through their paces and competes for the grand prize.

Things get intense pretty quickly and the horror unfolds. The writers themselves are disquieting and equally as frightening as some of the supernatural aspects. As characters,  we learn more about them as the drama increases. And while we might have benefited from a  bit more character development it definitely wasn't lacking. There's no letting up as the stakes get higher.

Another interesting aspect of this novel is the introduction of the writer's works. It adds an aspect of meta-drama and while there is a risk of this dramatic device being messy, Janz works it brilliantly adding another layer to the story. After reading this, my main thought is a resounding "How am I only reading Jonathan Janz now??".

This is a tense, fast-paced horror and I'll definitely be reading more!4.5 out of 5 stars from me. Thanks to Flame Tree Press, Jonathan Janz and NetGalley for the reading opportunity. As always it's very much appreciated.

An author killing his characters was known, but authors called to a retreat in the jungle and being killed one by one was a new theme for me, and I was so dang excited that my heart thumped.

Jonathan Janz started the story with a bang, the feeling of impeding doom swamped me almost at once. All the 10 authors were not the cute cuddly kinds. They were vicious; each one had a secret. Murder and death were their past. Their books weren't a success. Wells, the elderly author, promised them the literary world if the won the competition, survived would be more apt. The first few chapters saw the death of one. And then the gore and horror started...

The book was divided into parts, and each brought nightmares and true nature of all these authors alive. In fact, their fictional characters came to life too. I loved the parts where horror was vibrant and scary. But they came in bits and pieces across the book, hence there was no gripping tension. This niggled me, I could get easily distracted.

Overall, I liked what the book gave me, but I wanted more of pounding heart, hitched breath, heightened interest from my end. A fun read, nevertheless

The Dark Game by Jonathan Janz caught my attention as soon as I read the description, and it held my attention from the first page. Overall, I liked the book, but there were a few things that could have been better.

It was a bit confusing at first, trying to keep all of the characters straight in my head, but the saving grace there was that each has something that helps them stand out so you can (mostly) keep track once you discover their “thing”.

The supernatural elements to this book are well done, but I do wish there was a little more exploration of them. It feels like we’re supposed to just accept that this is the way this world works and not ask questions, but I honestly have questions and would like to know the answers.

I did really enjoy the writing in this book; it was fun to read excerpts of the writers’ work and their personal letters and diaries. And Janz makes excellent use of flashbacks to give us the backstories we need to understand why these particular writers were the ones chosen for the retreat.

This was my first time reading Jonathan Janz, although I’ve had two of his books on my shelf for a while, and I’m looking forward to reading more of his work.

I received a free e-copy of The Dark Game by Jonathan Janz from Net Galley and Flame Tree Press in exchange for my review.

"WELLS FOREST, the sign read. A PLACE OF MAGIC."

Ten authors/author wannabes are invited to a secluded retreat by a world famous reclusive author for a contest - with one winner. At stake - millions of dollars in prize money and guaranteed publishing of their next book.

The ten disparate authors, male and female, arrive in the middle of an Indiana forest at a moldering mansion and that's when the bizarre events start happening. New plus past dangers start to threaten them and they start to die.

There were two older books that this book brought to mind while I was reading it - AND THEN THERE WERE NONE (TEN LITTLE INDIANS in film form) by Agatha Christie and THE PICTURE OF DORIAN GRAY by Oscar Wilde. There are some minor similarities but this book has a big supernatural element, which I did not expect.

Did I enjoy the book? Yes and no. There were parts I really liked but also parts I could have done without. This is a horror book, not a mystery. And it's pretty horrific throughout. I should have been expecting that more because Janz is a horror author but I wasn't expecting the storyline it followed. That's on me and that's why I rated it four stars and not lower. Not my cup of tea exactly but we'll written for what it is.

I received this book from Flame Tree Press through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.

10 authors have been selected to attend a retreat and enter a writing competition. Run by renowned Roderick Wells, they will get his expertise and the winner would get 3 million dollars and publishing deal. But is the prize worth more than their lives?
As soon as you start reading, you have the sense that there is something going on that the authors are not aware of. Being left to walk in on foot, segregating the group to force conflict, they are all on edge before they start the competition.
Whilst each author had their own reasons to enter the competition, they were all in it for the fame and fortune. As you read, you are introduced to each character in detail and you soon realise that they each have a dark secret. Every character was different, although at the start they were all being supportive of each other, as the competition became more cutthroat, it was no surprise that their true characteristics came out and if you are like me, you will be quick to pick your favourite. As this is a writing retreat, snippets of the authors’ work in progress are inserted throughout the main story and I enjoyed reading these snippets. However, they are important to the story. It was also another way to show the difference between each author and how they interpret horror.
Roderick Wells was a narcissistic character who from the start inflicted his power over the authors. He enjoyed publicly humiliating them in front of their peers and was like a cat playing with a mouse, toying with their emotions. The changes to Wells and the mansion became more noticeable as the eliminations continue.
Whilst there are quite a few characters involved in this story, this was an easy book to follow and there was no confusion with the characters the further you go into the book. I had heard of this author, but this was the first book that I have read and I am so glad that I did. The author’s detailed writing enables you to imagine the creepiness of the forest and the dangers that await, the graphic scenes reinforcing the danger. The story was fast paced as you want to know who survives. As I was reading this I was reminiscing about when I watched Harper’s Island and spent the whole time trying to guess who was going to next.
If you enjoy reading books with eeriness and suspense, then pick up this book.

“The Dark Game” was a departure from my usual genres of choice and I found this offering from the author, Jonathan Janz, a difficult book to put down once I’d started reading it.

The premise of a group of authors unwittingly being entered into a twisted game against each other and simultaneously being confronted by their own past demons held a real appeal for me. Brilliantly drawn by Janz, the reader is given several engaging story-lines, creating ten very unique and winsome characters each with their individual voice and personality. I thought the writing was exceptional and I managed to keep up with all of the different characters.

A creepy mansion in the middle of the woods was a perfect setting for this scary horror, complete with eerie basements and spooky corridors.

Every one of the writers’ histories was nightmares all of their own, centring, as they did, around personal traumas or unpleasant events.

The claustrophobic atmosphere and the wicked horror really complemented this alarming and frightening tale. I admired that Jonathan Janz very cleverly kept a great awareness for continuity in his story. The elements of terror and underlying layers of fear were very well executed, culminating in what I thought was an extremely fulfilling ending.

I would highly recommend “ The Dark Game” to readers of the genre or to anyone who fancies a bit of a change. Jonathan Janz is high on my list of newly discovered authors for this year.

Thank you to NetGalley, Flame Tree Press and Jonathan Janz, for my ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

#TheDarkGame #NetGalley

While I enjoyed the premise of this book, I didn’t necessarily find it scary. That being said, I did enjoy the book. It reminded me of an old school slasher. You know who the bad guy is, you know people are going to die, it’s just figuring out when and how. Who survives and who gets taken down? Give this enjoyable read a chance and find out.

Thanks to Flame Tree Press and NetGalley for the book. Reviews are my own.

If someone told you this is actually a novel Stephen King had written and forgotten about, only to be snatched by Joe Hill and altered enough to make you think it was something original and still laced with enough psycho-horror elements, this is without a doubt the end result of that long-winded metaphor.

The last time I read a novel about a group of individuals who would become contestants (or players) trapped in a situation with their lives on the line, was Matthew Reilly’s Temple. Of course, comparing this to a Reilly novel and with the illustrious Brian Keene calling Jonathan Janz “…Once of the best writers in modern horror to come along in the last decade.” you can see why this guy is adding fuel to the hype train. He’s that good and if you haven’t read any of his other novels, I strongly implore you to pick up any of them. My reading experience with a Janz novel isn’t one of those “better than the previous one” situations, because in my honest opinion each book this guy has written which I managed to find is a great work of fiction in its own right.

[Especially Siren and the Specter but I have a review about that one somewhere on this website.]

I’m considering breaking my NO SPOILERS rule because my fingers are itching to splurge all the juicy parts but my mind is saying no, and holding the reins in a firm grip. This sucks.

However, I can at least tell you that Janz explores the writing craft and plays with your own mind as well as he does with those of his characters, keeping us in the dark until he mercifully lets slivers of light through just to keep us pawing through to the next chapter. Of course, even with the plot being straight-forward the novel has that sensational momentum of suspense that reaches its highs and lows (just so we can get our bearings before the next wave of anxiety kicks in).

With an ending that leaves the plot open to the reader’s own interpretation, The Dark Game delivers on what the blurb alludes to.

What an enjoyable, twisted and horrific ride this read was! I’ve really liked everything I’ve read by Jonathan Janz so far, but I think The Dark Game might be my favorite now! Reading this was like watching a really good classic horror movie. Scary, psychologically horrific, and most definitely not for the faint of heart.

The Dark Game begins at the start of a unique writer’s retreat that has been framed to all ten writers as a competition. The elusive and highly successful author, Roderick Wells, is the famed host of the writing retreat and also a pretty weird dude. Though the authors all think they’ve signed up for the chance to better their writing and also potentially win a major book deal from Wells, they quickly discover that things are not anywhere near that straightforward in this game. The wealthy Wells is not only an eccentric character, but also a very dark and twisted one. As each author is forced to come to terms with nightmares that they had long thought buried, their numbers start to dwindle.

As always with Janz’s books, he is really great at creating characters that I love to hate and The Dark Game has some that I really hated. It just makes it so much more satisfying when those characters finally get what they deserve! And the villain in this story was done really good as well. Not only is Wells a good villain, but readers quickly learn that the estate itself plays a major role in the twisted goings-on of the game.

I also enjoy Janz’s good characters as much as the bad. All of his characters have flaws, even the good ones. And it really helps to portray them as normal people who aren’t always set up for success. It just makes you root for them all the more.

Overall this book was a definite 5 star read for me. I love horror and twisty, psychological reads and this story catered to all of that. Not to mention that in the world we live in today, sometimes it’s nice to just read about the bad guys getting what they deserve!

If this sounds up your alley, definitely check out The Dark Game, but be prepared for gore and some troubling content!

The Dark Game is similar to Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None. Combining psychological horror with supernatural horror, it is hard not to be drawn into the story. Highly recommended to readers who enjoy And Then There Were None inspired novels.

Thankyou to NetGalley, Flame Tree Press and the author, Jonathan Janz for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Dark Game in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
What a gripping read. I love this authors style of writing. The storylines are imaginative and gripping as well as being unpredictable.
This story was well written. I was hooked from the get-go. Definitely worth staying up into the early hours to finish.

4.5 stars.

THE DARK GAME, by Jonathan Janz, is a novel that takes ten struggling writers--each aspiring to be the next to land a bestseller--on what they think is their chance of a lifetime. Each of them will meet and stay for a time with the extraordinarily successful, yet eccentric, Roderic Wells. The last time Wells extended an invitation to a group of authors, one of them became successful beyond her wildest dreams!

The catch? Only one of them can win the prize money and contract.

"MR. RODERICK WELLS requests the honor of your presence at his estate on May 26th for a six-week writing retreat . . . "

The concept of an author writing about writers going on a "writing retreat" isn't a new one, but Janz is able to take virtually any idea and turn it into something captivating and completely his own.

". . . Everything begins with horror."

The atmosphere is set right from the start. The dynamics between each "contestant" has been carefully studied and applied to make their arrival as unsettling as possible. They are not there to forge friendships, but rather set out to one-up arch other in every manner possible. This tactic serves to help keep them mentally isolated as much as possible--even as they are physically separated from the rest of the world by the infinite expanse of Well's hidden, foreboding estate.

". . . Well's mansion looked like every ghost story he'd ever read . . . "

Even beginning with this rather large cast of characters, I felt that Janz did a good job in giving them some distinguishing traits and characteristics. Admittedly, there were a couple that were merely "throw-away" characters, in my opinion, but even those had a backstory we were privy to, and completely necessary to further the plot.

"Just what the hell did happen to the other nine writers in the first contest?"

One thing I especially loved was how TRUE so many of the statements in this novel were. Things that were simply stated, could often be so profoundly accurate.

". . . stories have incredible power. They can teach. They can transport . . . Some stories can kill."

While being introduced little by little to the . . . differences . . . in Well's homestead, we get a chance to know the majority of the characters very well. These individuals--like so many of my favorites in literature--are all flawed. This serves to make them even more realistic to the reader. Their fears, their desires, their shortcomings . . . these are all things that some of us will be able to sympathize and identify with. While we are learning the inner feelings of the contestants and others on this estate, another, larger part of the novel is moving inexorably forward.

". . . There was no doubt Well's estate was . . . different. Mysterious things happened here, things he had trouble explaining . . . "

Another enjoyable feature here that may be noted by those that have read some of Janz' other novels, is some "internal referencing" to his works that the contestants
". . . No one is more honest than the storyteller . . . They have the ability to create life . . . Or to bring death."

Overall, I feel that Janz is growing stronger as an author with each new book he produces. He's able to layer an idea with complex characters, multiple, intersecting storylines, and yet in such a way that serves to pull the reader into the worlds he creates--almost making them feel a "part" of the tale. In THE DARK GAME Janz showcases this ability to virtually bring his characters to life, endowing them with full pasts, and future goals. They all have regrets from earlier mistakes which makes them easier to identify with as individuals. He can take what could be a magical, fairy tale setting and turn it into something twisted and malevolent with only a few words.

". . . a place of magic . . . But the magic was of the darkest, most demented sort . . . "

Janz is an author whose voice is now being heard above so many others. With his dramatic storylines and three-dimensional characters, his novels are among those that I will be seeking out in the future.

"Do you believe in monsters?"

Highly recommended.

*I received an arc of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. All ideas are uniquely my own.*

This book is a tribute to horror writers and horror stories, delightfully meta in its approach and even makes references to some of this author’s previous works.

The premise is a competition for authors, the winner having a powerful platform to publish their new work. This is a wonderful way for the author to explore the power of storytelling (always something I enjoy) and the power authors wield through their words.
The writing style is tense and compelling, which is something I now expect whenever I pick up a book written by Janz. This story spans between the present, the backstories of each character and also snippets of their writings, seamlessly pulling the reader into the story and bringing all of the characters to life. The characters are all very well developed and have their own distinctive personalities very early on, which is why I think this book is my favourite that I’ve read so far by this author, it’s going to take a lot to topple this from its pedestal!

As well as fast-paced, gory and psychologically horrifying, I found this story to be quite thought provoking. It considers a variety of ways that horror can be expressed, from violence, mental abuse, gore, paranormal forces – so the horror begins building from the very beginning and growing right up until what I found to be a very satisfying conclusion.